As summer slips away, most can agree that summer yielded great variety and abundance of catches in our region. But wait, as they say, There’s more…
The transition into fall offers some of the best fishing of the year.
It’s exciting to look out the cabin window and see fish feeding on the surface. From day to day you may see bluefish slapping the surface, bull red drum creating a bronze boiling froth, or Spanish mackerel completely clearing the surface and gliding through the air. This is just a part of what September offers.
As water temperatures drop, fish begin strong migration and surface feeding accelerates. September presents anglers with a variety of methods to land some of the Northern Neck’s finest seafood.
Bay and river action
There are several top water species that can be found in the big water of the bay and the mouths of major rivers this month. Fish drawing the most attention are Spanish mackerel, bluefish and red drum although cobia are often found in the mix as well. I have found that trolling is very effective on all of these species this month.
Anglers should find plenty of trolling action along the channel edges throughout the region. Trolling produces good results with simple lures. The only difference is varying speeds for each species. Clark and Drone spoons (#0 and #1) are the baits that closest resemble the shiners and small baitfish that are a main staple for most species this month.
An average trolling speed of 5-6 knots will entice some bites of each species. A slightly faster speed will entice more mackerel as a slower moving bait will attract more drum. Note: Set drags loose because the drum are tackle busters!
I have found that #1 planers are the best means of taking the lures to the right depths of 12-15 feet. As the fall progresses, it seems that the fish school a bit deeper in the water table. When this is evident, using a #2 planer will work best.
Live-lining spot or other small baitfish also entice drum and cobia.
These fish often feed together. They will continue to school in southern Maryland waters, in the lower Potomac River, and from Smith Point down to the mouth of the Rappahannock. They will be feeding along the shipping lanes as well as on the flats and will come in waves as they continue to move southward in migration. This action should last for the majority of the month.
Spot fishing will continue to peak this month and can be found throughout the rivers. The Rappahannock offers great action from the Spike to Urbanna. The Potomac has good action off the Coan and Yeocomico rivers.
Skinny water
We refer to ‘skinny water’ as creeks, marshes, inlets along the bay and rivers and other shallow water locations. During the transition into fall, these areas often hold fish that are not available in the deep water of the bay. This inshore fishery consists of speckled trout, puppy drum, striped bass and a variety of smaller species.
What makes the skinny water fishing so special is that it’s commonly found in protected areas that are well suited for small boats, kayaks, SUPs and even for those anglers who prefer wading. Fishing interest has swelled among naturalists and fitness enthusiasts who choose to explore nature and catch a fresh dinner at the same time.
Speckled trout fishing is one of the staples of skinny water. Quantities have improved this season and should offer good size specimens into October. Grassy flats in and around creeks are great areas to catch trout. Casting artificial baits has become the norm rather than the exception when seeking these tasty fish.
Mirrolures, surface poppers and jig heads rigged with twister tails are among the many baits used to entice shallow water action. Other methods include live minnows and small bunker baits floated under popping corks.
Puppy drum (redfish), striped bass, small snapper bluefish and croaker are often mixed with the specks. This year we have seen a swelling in numbers of the 18- 26-inch drum. In addition to the large charter boat, I also offer in-shore charters for two to three anglers. Folks really enjoy top water light tackle action for trout, redfish, and striped bass. If you haven’t tried skinny water fishing, you are missing a great time!
Whether you fish big water or skinny, charter boat or kayak, this month promises to be memorable. Come out and join us for great fun among family and friends.
Be safe and until next time…fair winds.
Capt. Billy Pipkin owns and operates Ingram Bay Marina and Capt. Billy’s Charters located at the end of Route 609 in Wicomico Church; at the mouth of the Great Wicomico River. 580-7292 www.IngramBayMarina.com
POACHED BLUEFISH (serves two)
- 4 Fresh fillets of bluefish or Spanish mackerel (scaled and skin on)
- 4 Eggs -scrambled
- 4 Pieces of bacon
- Toast
- Salt
- Layer fillets in dish, skin side down. Generously cover each layer with salt, cover, and place in refrigerator overnight. In the morning rinse salt off fillets and place them in a pot of gently boiling water. Poach fish for 8-12 minutes or until meat is white and flaky.
- Cook bacon while you wait on the fish.
- Scramble eggs just prior to serving fish.
- Gently lift fish out of pot and onto plate with spatula. Lightly sprinkle bacon dripping over fillets. Serve with buttered toast.
This is a favorite breakfast food among waterman and salty fishermen. Be careful…it’s habit forming.
